Then there were the rumors that New England was dangling Butler as trade bait to try and land receiver Brandin Cooks, who ultimately was landed without having to part with Butler.

What all this certainly signals to Butler and his camp is that he’s an expendable player. Of course, those who have followed the Patriots over the years know that pretty much everyone not named Tom Brady is an expendable player on Bill Belichick’s roster.

So, while Butler might want to remain a “Patriot for life,” it stands to reason that isn’t going to happen anyway.

With that in mind don’t be surprised if he and his representation continues to angle hard for another team to give up the first-round tender (which he reportedly still has not signed) needed to wrest him away from his current team.